June 2021

For parents, deciding how much to save for retirement versus what to set aside for a child’s education can be a difficult balancing act. Saving for your future should be a priority, particularly through maximizing the benefits of retirement plans. But, although paying yourself first is essential, that doesn’t mean you can’t set funds aside …

Should You Save for Retirement or for a Child’s College Education? Read More »

June usually marks the height of the spring real estate market—it’s National Homeownership Month, after all. But this June hasn’t been typical. With job loss numbers in the tens of millions, the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has put home ownership at risk, with many struggling to make mortgage or rent payments. There is …

Is Now the Time to Buy or Refinance? Read More »

A great book takes us on a voyage of discovery, fueling us with the author’s creativity, knowledge, and heart. If you’ve been craving an absorbing read that will bring you joy (and maybe a few tears), you can’t do better than the five inspirational books below. These selections will remind you of the power of …

5 Inspirational Authors to Enjoy This Summer Read More »

In December 2019, Congress passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which is changing retirement and estate planning for many. One major provision of the law affects those who inherit individual retirement accounts (IRAs). So, whether you might be inheriting an IRA or are planning on leaving one to your heirs, …

Estate Planning Update: How the SECURE Act Affects IRA Beneficiaries Read More »

10 Suggestions to Help You Stay on Track Although 2020 has been a year of unexpected changes, one routine has remained consistent: the fourth quarter means it’s time to begin organizing your finances for the new year. To help you get started, here’s a checklist of key topics to think about, including new tax and …

Year-End Financial Planning Checklist Read More »

Considered “the father of value investing,” Benjamin Graham wrote The Intelligent Investor more than 70 years ago, and the principles in his book are still highly respected today. Investing legend Warren Buffet, who studied under Graham, called The Intelligent Investor “by far the best book about investing ever written.” Despite what you might think, being …

Are You an Intelligent Investor? Read More »

Managing student loan debt has become one of the biggest financial planning challenges for many. In the U.S., student loan debt rose to $1.51 trillion last year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. So, if you or family members are dealing with the burden of budgeting every month for a student loan, …

Solutions for Managing Student Loan Debt Read More »

December is the “giving season,” when many people consider using their wealth to help others. Because of the urgent need for generosity presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be looking for ways to stretch your charitable donations. As always, the use of tax-efficient giving strategies can help them go further. This year, it’s also …

Last-Minute Charitable Giving Opportunities Read More »

Did you know that the total projected lifetime health care costs (excluding long-term care) for the average 65-year-old couple retiring this year are expected to be $295,000 in today’s dollars? This figure highlights how important it is for you to start planning to manage your health care expenses in retirement. For many people, Medicare becomes …

Your Guide to Medicare Planning Read More »

With tax season upon us, many of us are busy gathering the appropriate documents, meeting with CPAs, and ensuring that relevant tax deadlines are met. But in all the hustle and bustle, taxpayers also need to keep an eye on the risks, especially tax season scams. Each year, scammers get more savvy with strategies they …

Tax Season Scam Alert Read More »